Middle East

Lindsey’s Plan for War on Iran

"By equating Iran’s 'nuclear program' with a 'nuclear bomb' program, Graham reveals that his bottom line is not Obama’s bottom line, but Benjamin Netanyahu’s. Obama has said only that Iran must not be allowed to build a bomb. Bibi says Iran must not have a nuclear program. Yet, make no mistake. The goal of Graham, the neocons, Israel and Saudi Arabia is not a negotiated solution permitting a peaceful nuclear program in Iran. The goal is a U.S. war to smash Iran. On Nov. 10, 2010, Graham let it all out: 'Instead of a surgical strike on their nuclear infrastructure, I think we’re to the point now that you have to really neuter the regime’s ability to wage war against us and our allies.'" Continue reading →

Continue ReadingLindsey’s Plan for War on Iran

Sen. Lindsey Graham to seek authorization for U.S. attack on Iran

"Graham now says he will work with a bipartisan group of senators to craft a resolution authorizing the president to use military force -- not against the Syrian regime but against Iran. In an appearance on Fox News' Huckabee program over the weekend, Graham argued that such a resolution is essential, because American inaction in Syria will encourage Iran to go forward with its nuclear weapon program, eventually leading toward a Mideast conflagration if the U.S. doesn't intervene." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingSen. Lindsey Graham to seek authorization for U.S. attack on Iran

Eric Margolis: US Struggle With Iran’s Peace Offensive

"Iran is now making a major push to convince the world it has no nuclear weapons ambitions, starting with its spiritual leader, Ayatollah Khomenei who has issued a fatwa condemning all nuclear weapons. The logical course for the United States to follow is to welcome Iran’s overtures and restore normal relations between the two powers. An Iran aligned to the outside world is less likely to be troublesome than the angry, frightened, besieged Iran of today. Furthermore, Washington has at some point got to accept that Iran is an influential regional power with its own legitimate interests." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingEric Margolis: US Struggle With Iran’s Peace Offensive

Iran’s new president promises: We will never make nuclear weapons

"NBC aired a longer excerpt from Curry’s interview with Rouhani Wednesday night, in which he tells Curry Iran has never tried to build a nuclear weapon. Instead, he explained, 'We solely are looking for peaceful nuclear technology.' 'Can you say that Iran will not build a nuclear weapon under any circumstances whatsoever?' Curry asked. 'The answer to this question is quite obvious,' Rouhani responded. 'We have time and against said that under no circumstances would we seek any weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons, nor will we ever.'" Continue reading →

Continue ReadingIran’s new president promises: We will never make nuclear weapons

‘Technical glitch’ brings down Iranian censorship firewall temporarily

"A technical glitch allowed some Iranians temporary access to banned social networking websites Facebook and Twitter, an Iranian Internet official said on Tuesday. Surprised Internet users in Iran Monday night were able to log onto their accounts without using illegal software that enables them to circumvent a widespread state-run filtering mechanism. They voiced their delight online, with posts revelling in the rare web freedom — restricted in 2009 when social networking sites enabled protesters to organise anti-government demonstrations in the aftermath of a disputed presidential election." Continue reading →

Continue Reading‘Technical glitch’ brings down Iranian censorship firewall temporarily

First Syria rebels armed and trained by CIA ‘on way to battlefield’

"The first cell of Syrian rebels trained and armed by the CIA is making its way to the battlefield, President Barack Obama has reportedly told senators. During a meeting at the White House, the president assured Senator John McCain that after months of delay the US was meeting its commitment to back moderate elements of the opposition. Mr Obama said that a 50-man cell, believed to have been trained by US special forces in Jordan, was making its way across the border into Syria, according to the New York Times. The deployment of the rebel unit seems to be the first tangible measure of support since Mr Obama announced in June that the US would begin providing the opposition with small arms." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingFirst Syria rebels armed and trained by CIA ‘on way to battlefield’

Obama waives anti-terrorism provisions to arm Syrian rebels

"The Obama administration waived provisions of a federal law which ban the supply of weapons and money to terrorists. The move is opening doors to supplying Syrian opposition with protection from chemical weapons. The Arms Export Control Act (AECA) allows the US president to waive provisions in Sections 40 and 40A, which forbid providing munitions, credit and licenses to countries supporting acts of terrorism. But those prohibitions can be waived 'if the President determines that the transaction is essential to the national security interests of the United States.'" Continue reading →

Continue ReadingObama waives anti-terrorism provisions to arm Syrian rebels

Alan Grayson unloads on “warmongering” and “hubris”

"I have the benefit of knowing what the U.S. military plans are. Members on both sides are extremely well-informed about this. Most of us have been to multiple briefings, in some cases classified briefings. It’s not that people need more information, you know, we’ve got plenty. And what we’re seeing is an extremely risky and fruitless undertaking. I have the sense that the Administration is suffering from some degree of hubris. They claim to know the future reactions of the Syrians, the Russians, the Iranians, Hezbollah. They claim to be able to micromanage this 'unbelievably small' attack. In a way it’s reminiscent of Johnson choosing bombing targets in Vietnam. We all know how that ended up." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingAlan Grayson unloads on “warmongering” and “hubris”

French navy intercepts Syrian ship carrying 20 tons of marijuana

"The French navy said Thursday it had made a record cannabis seizure in the Mediterranean sea after intercepting a ship carrying 20 tonnes of cannabis worth up to 50 million euros. 'To the best of our knowledge it is the biggest seizure by the French state in the Mediterranean,' vice-admiral Yves Joly told a news conference in Toulon. The market value of the cannabis was 'between 40 and 50 million euros ($53 and 66 million),' said regional customs head Hugues-Lionel Galy. The eight-member crew, who claimed to be Syrians, set the cannabis on fire and a part of the clandestine cargo was destroyed. The men will be tried in France and could face up to 10 years in prison, if convicted." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingFrench navy intercepts Syrian ship carrying 20 tons of marijuana

Obama on Iran: Diplomacy can work when backed with military threats

"Barack Obama has revealed an exchange of letters with Iran’s new President Hassan Rowhani but warned his reluctance to strike Syria should not devalue US threats of force to thwart an Iranian nuclear bomb. The US president, in an interview aired Sunday, publicly confirmed the outreach to Rowhani for the first time, and said he believed the Syria chemical arms drama showed that diplomacy could work if backed by threats of military action. In his interview, Obama said that the outcome of the Syrian deal offered Iran a 'lesson' in the benefits of diplomacy." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingObama on Iran: Diplomacy can work when backed with military threats